Official 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[The Effect]

Potential based ranking:
Tier 1
Vassell

Can I ask, what do you see Vassell's comparison for his higher potential outcome? No comparison is perfect, but he seems more of a high floor/low ceiling guy to me.

Not attacking, just curious. I'm still pretty ignorant toward a lot of these draft guys.

I'm crap at player comparisons... Middleton maybe?
Lockdown defense, high efficiency scorer with good IQ and some rebounding ability would be what you hope from him, I guess ..

Perfect fit for The Magic if we could complement him with a shot creator, which we don't have either...

I dont know about MIddleton, I dont think Vessell has the offensive aggression that middleton can have, Vessell seems so much more passive and to me is literally ONLY a 3&D guy, i wouldnt trust him to go ISO and get me a bucket. Not sure where the HIGH BBIQ comes from, never really saw anything out of the ordinary, and def not a high efficiency scorer. Hes a good catch and shoot guy, but beyond that, i dont think so. His offensive game to me is Jonathan Issac. Most of his points will come from catch and shoot 3s, cutting to the basket, and turnovers leading to fast breaks. Havent seen anything else from him on offense

To me, everytime i watched him, the first name that always popped into my head was Mikel Bridges (another fan favorite on this board a few years ago), and really i expect him to have the same type of start to his career. Ho-hum 3&D role player

[Knightro]

Latest mock from Sam Vecenie

1. Anthony Edwards
2. LaMelo Ball
3. James Wiseman
4. Deni Avdija
5. Onyeka Okongwu
6. Isaac Okoro
7. Tyrese Haliburton
8. Obi Toppin
9. Devin Vassell
10. Killian Hayes
11. Aaron Nesmith
12. Precious Achiuwa
13. Cole Anthony
14. Kira Lewis Jr.
15. Orlando Magic - R.J. Hampton | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | New Zealand Breakers

The Magic do think they’ve found their point guard of the future in Markelle Fultz, but I’m a bit more hesitant on that front. Fultz had a solid year this season, averaging 12 points and five assists per game while playing a relatively efficient brand of basketball. But it’s clear he’s still very limited by nobody taking him seriously as a shooter from distance. Until that issue figures itself out, I’m not sure his ability to create space and get to the rim will be quite enough for him to be an above-average starter at the point guard position.

So getting another potential option makes sense. Hampton is more of a combo than a point guard, but he has very real athletic tools that would likely appeal to the Magic’s front office. Historically, Orlando tends to draft high-character guys that have elite measurements or elite athletic tools. Think Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Mo Bamba, and plenty of later picks. Even last year’s pick Chuma Okeke fits the bill. Hampton has great positional size in the backcourt at 6-foot-5. He has a lightning quick first step and should be able to get into the teeth of the defense. The problem is that he’s not a particularly good shooter right now, and will need to revamp his mechanics a bit. But Orlando hasn’t really had a problem drafting non-shooters in the past. And even if Fultz does turn out to be the answer, Hampton would bring some necessary creativity into the backcourt as a scorer for a team that has some future uncertainty about Terrance Ross and Evan Fournier’s contractual situations.

Other notable players picked after 15
Maxey 17
Maledon 19
Bey 20
Green 22
Mannion 27
Terry 30

https://theathletic.com/1926516/2020/07/14/vecenie-2020-nba-mock-draft-version-6-0-three-months-from-draft-day/ ($)

[Xatticus]

I also like Paul Reed. Using our pick on him would certainly be a reach, but I'd try to snag a pick to use on him if he lasts to the second round. DePaul was pretty bad and Reed will take some time, but his defensive upside is exceptional. He gets so long when he needs to. He has great steal and block rates and he is already a great help defender, though he gets caught floating aimlessly at times. He can get better defensively. He could be scary good at that end. He isn't an awful shooter, but the shot looks strange. I'm not optimistic about it. He has some offensive tools though. He makes some wow passes. He could be something like Bo Outlaw.

Big Paul Reed fan.

Another second round big I really like, although he's much different than Reed, is Reggie Perry. I think he has a good NBA frame even though he's not an overly explosive leaper or shot blocker. I really like him as a rebounder and I'm pretty encouraged by the development he's shown as a shooter and passer.

I just looked up Perry. He certainly wasn't what I expected after looking up his measurements and stat line. I expected a bully-ball five, but he really isn't that at all. I wonder if he is going to be a tweener.

He doesn't look like the defensive anchor you want for a small-ball five, but if he has the defensive versatility, he could be useful as a four in big lineups without slowing you down. The shot looks alright. I doubt it will ever be a legitimate weapon. His overall skill level is pretty good though. I just don't know what he can really lean on in a larger role. His post game is solid, but that's a very situational tool. I'd like his skill set so much more if he had a screen-and-roll game to lean on, but there is very little of that in his highlights. His screening needs to improve and he probably isn't going to be a good finisher as a roll man, but maybe he can be a ball mover.

He looks a lot like Julius Randle or perhaps Draymond Green without the defensive value.

[Knightro]

Hampton is an interesting case.

He was one of the highest ranked prospects in his high school class. 5th on ESPN, 5th on 24/7, 6th on Rivals.

Ranked higher than Tyrese Maxey, Nico Mannion and LaMelo Ball in his own class.
Ranked higher than Romeo Langford, Anfernee Simons and Darius Garland the year before.
Ranked higher than Collin Sexton, Lonnie Walker IV and Trae Young the year before that.

He was an extremely accomplished high school player. Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior in Texas. The only other two guys who did that - Marcus Smart and Justise Winslow - went on to become top 10 picks.

Hampton has really good athleticism and great size for the PG position (although I don't think he's a natural PG, much more of a combo) who plays really hard offensively. There's a lot to like from a physical standpoint and by all accounts he's a high character, hard working kid.

That said...

His experience in New Zealand can't really be considered anything other than a complete failure.

His team was really bad. He wasn't given a lot of freedom by the coaching staff. He was terrible defensively. His team played a lot better after he got injured and when he wasn't on the floor. And the most glaring red flag of all, he simply didn't make enough shots or show a significant amount of promise as a scorer at any of the three levels. 41% from the floor, 30% from three and 68% from the FT line.

Very much like Maxey, you're really gambling on Hampton's ability to develop a consistent jump shot. If he can do that, then in theory it should unlock easier paths to the rim with his strong first step and speed with the ball in his hands. If all that happens, then the possibility exists that he could be a starting shooting guard/secondary playmaker in the NBA.

If it doesn't, he could be a total washout.

He definitely feels like he could be a Weltman/Hammond type of pick though. Plus size for his position which in theory means defensive versatility (Hampton's a bad defender now, but has the tools to guard multiple spots), high character and a perceived high upside.

[NotACat]

I'm all in on Josh Green if he's available

[jezzerinho]

Hampton is an interesting case.

He was one of the highest ranked prospects in his high school class. 5th on ESPN, 5th on 24/7, 6th on Rivals.

Ranked higher than Tyrese Maxey, Nico Mannion and LaMelo Ball in his own class.
Ranked higher than Romeo Langford, Anfernee Simons and Darius Garland the year before.
Ranked higher than Collin Sexton, Lonnie Walker IV and Trae Young the year before that.

He was an extremely accomplished high school player. Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior in Texas. The only other two guys who did that - Marcus Smart and Justise Winslow - went on to become top 10 picks.

Hampton has really good athleticism and great size for the PG position (although I don't think he's a natural PG, much more of a combo) who plays really hard offensively. There's a lot to like from a physical standpoint and by all accounts he's a high character, hard working kid.

That said...

His experience in New Zealand can't really be considered anything other than a complete failure.

His team was really bad. He wasn't given a lot of freedom by the coaching staff. He was terrible defensively. His team played a lot better after he got injured and when he wasn't on the floor. And the most glaring red flag of all, he simply didn't make enough shots or show a significant amount of promise as a scorer at any of the three levels. 41% from the floor, 30% from three and 68% from the FT line.

Very much like Maxey, you're really gambling on Hampton's ability to develop a consistent jump shot. If he can do that, then in theory it should unlock easier paths to the rim with his strong first step and speed with the ball in his hands. If all that happens, then the possibility exists that he could be a starting shooting guard/secondary playmaker in the NBA.

If it doesn't, he could be a total washout.

He definitely feels like he could be a Weltman/Hammond type of pick though. Plus size for his position which in theory means defensive versatility (Hampton's a bad defender now, but has the tools to guard multiple spots), high character and a perceived high upside.

The difference with Maxey is he was a good 3pt shooter in high school and continues to be a good midrange and rim scorer. Maxey's misses are almost all where his base isnt set, he shoots out from his body, the arc is flat and he hits the front rim. To my mind very correctable.

Hampton has seemingly made a lot of progress with his shot during the shutdown. Impossible to verify until some kind of draft workout proposal is agreed. He could be a steal but a lot depends on situation/coaching. Orl might be a good spot if we retain MCW/Fournier as there's less pressure to contribute minutes off the bat. Just not sure the Magic have a great track record of fixing shot mechanics.

[Knightro]

The difference with Maxey is he was a good 3pt shooter in high school and continues to be a good midrange and rim scorer. Maxey's misses are almost all where his base isnt set, he shoots out from his body, the arc is flat and he hits the front rim. To my mind very correctable.

Hampton has seemingly made a lot of progress with his shot during the shutdown. Impossible to verify until some kind of draft workout proposal is agreed. He could be a steal but a lot depends on situation/coaching. Orl might be a good spot if we retain MCW/Fournier as there's less pressure to contribute minutes off the bat. Just not sure the Magic have a great track record of fixing shot mechanics.

Maxey's college shooting issues are perplexing to me because like you said, he was a good shooter from three and the FT line all throughout high school and was also an extremely good FT shooter at Kentucky. The jumpers just didn't fall in college. It's hard to explain. He had a track record and it just translate this past season for whatever reason.

Hampton was not as good of a shooter as Maxey was at the prep level, but he's obviously taller and longer, more athletic and in my opinion, a more natural playmaker for others.

Fun fact: Hampton's HS team played Maxey's HS team in Texas in December of 2018.

Read on Twitter

Here's a recent video (two days ago) of Hampton working out with Mike Miller.

Watch on YouTube

[Bensational]

That is such a wide stance on his 3s with little jump to his shot. You reckon thats what he'll end up with?

Hampton is interesting. Good size and skill base. Would be a project pick, and we've already got so many of those. But if he projects as BPA, I could get excited about him.

[Knightro]

That is such a wide stance on his 3s with little jump to his shot. You reckon thats what he'll end up with?

Hampton is interesting. Good size and skill base. Would be a project pick, and we've already got so many of those. But if he projects as BPA, I could get excited about him.

I'm far from a shooting expert, but it's almost like Hampton took one of his main footwork criticisms (feet too close together) and went the opposite route in an almost exaggerated way.

Here's another Hampton shooting video - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2579403648977809

[Skin]

Hampton seems like a poser... a guy who thinks he's better than he is. Gimme Jahmi'us Ramsey. Guy is all business and has a great feel for the game. Both are 6'4, but Hampton has a 6'7 wingspan and Ramsey has a 6'10 wingspan. Hoping WeHam will find a way to draft him. A Fultz/Ramsey backcourt would be sexy.

[Bensational]

Hampton seems like a poser... a guy who thinks he's better than he is. Gimme Jahmi'us Ramsey. Guy is all business and has a great feel for the game. Both are 6'4, but Hampton has a 6'7 wingspan and Ramsey has a 6'10 wingspan. Hoping WeHam will find a way to draft him. A Fultz/Ramsey backcourt would be sexy.

I hadn't looked into Ramsey. His handles look pretty rudimentary and awkward. I think he'd get picked apart in the NBA until he tightens it. But he does seem to use that length to get separation on some shots at the rim. He might be able to work it into his handles, too.

Far out, he gets after it on blocks, doesn't he! Bamba, Isaac, Gordon, Ramsey, Fultz smacking down shots all over the court. We'd be a shot blocking highlight reel each game at least.

[Knightro]

I’m very curious to see what Ramsey actually measures out.

Some draft outlets say his wingspan is only 6’6” because that is what he measured at Team USA camp back in 2018. But that was two years ago and it’s possible he’s grown since then. All the places that do say 6’10” also say rumored because he’s never been officially measured at that length yet.

There are elements to his game that are likable. I haven't made a real deep dive into him, but it appears that he's a tough shot maker. Now that's both good and bad to me. It's certainly a useful skill to be able to get buckets against any type of defense, but it begs the question - why is he taking so many difficult shots in the first place?

Like Ben said, I think his handle is pretty poor and while he's clearly quite athletic without the ball, he loses athleticism once the ball gets put in his hands.

His college 3PT% was great, but at the same time his college FT% was quite poor which is usually a sign that the 3PT% is a little fluky.

I do like him as a catch and shoot guy and he even showed some ability to make shots coming off screens, giving him a little poor man's Terrence Ross vibes.

[Skin]

Hampton seems like a poser... a guy who thinks he's better than he is. Gimme Jahmi'us Ramsey. Guy is all business and has a great feel for the game. Both are 6'4, but Hampton has a 6'7 wingspan and Ramsey has a 6'10 wingspan. Hoping WeHam will find a way to draft him. A Fultz/Ramsey backcourt would be sexy.

I hadn't looked into Ramsey. His handles look pretty rudimentary and awkward. I think he'd get picked apart in the NBA until he tightens it. But he does seem to use that length to get separation on some shots at the rim. He might be able to work it into his handles, too.

Far out, he gets after it on blocks, doesn't he! Bamba, Isaac, Gordon, Ramsey, Fultz smacking down shots all over the court. We'd be a shot blocking highlight reel each game at least.

I don't see his handle being an issue worth detracting him from others in our draft range. He certainly exceeded expectations in his freshmen season. He wasn't even on the map before it started. The combination of his athleticism, length, long range game and feel for the game are a separator. I'm not a believer that FT% dictates validity of 3PT%. If that's what he's been practicing more then it makes sense. In terms of a player who has a bad 3PT%, I do believe that if he's good FT shooter that he can eventually become a good 3PT shooter, but the whole evaluation of that doesn't necessarily work equally backwards. Ramsey is a game bird. We need less mechanical and more natural, the latter which is how I view him.

Btw, I see him as our replacement for Augustin. Back up PG/SG. A guy who we can alternate with Fultz when we need a shooter at PG or another option at SG. He'd have to make serious strides to give me full confidence as a starter on a championship caliber team.

[KillMonger]

If we stay where we are: Kira Lewis Jr.

I like the kid, he checks the box what we need a scorer and he has what you can't teach speed. At worst with him i think we'll be looking at Ish Smith with a jumpshot that's a very solid backup considering the real Ish smith is solid already without the jumpshot just because of his pure speed with the ball.

Watch on YouTube

If we are somehow able to move up:

I would take a STRONG look at Lamelo ball but i think we still need that scorer and i would go with Anthony Edwards. His shot selection at times reminds me of Fournier and has his inconsistencies but there is enough there to take that risk

Either way it's going to be very interesting how this draft lottery ends up panning out, has some serious implications for us.

[basketballRob]

I’m very curious to see what Ramsey actually measures out.

Some draft outlets say his wingspan is only 6’6” because that is what he measured at Team USA camp back in 2018. But that was two years ago and it’s possible he’s grown since then. All the places that do say 6’10” also say rumored because he’s never been officially measured at that length yet.

There are elements to his game that are likable. I haven't made a real deep dive into him, but it appears that he's a tough shot maker. Now that's both good and bad to me. It's certainly a useful skill to be able to get buckets against any type of defense, but it begs the question - why is he taking so many difficult shots in the first place?

Like Ben said, I think his handle is pretty poor and while he's clearly quite athletic without the ball, he loses athleticism once the ball gets put in his hands.

His college 3PT% was great, but at the same time his college FT% was quite poor which is usually a sign that the 3PT% is a little fluky.

I do like him as a catch and shoot guy and he even showed some ability to make shots coming off screens, giving him a little poor man's Terrence Ross vibes.

If he does measure at 6'10", he could be a lottery pick.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

[yoyojw17]

GREAT VIDEOOOOO!!!
It just isn't as easy as some people make it seem.

Watch on YouTube

[Knightro]

If we stay where we are: Kira Lewis Jr.

I like the kid, he checks the box what we need a scorer and he has what you can't teach speed. At worst with him i think we'll be looking at Ish Smith with a jumpshot that's a very solid backup considering the real Ish smith is solid already without the jumpshot just because of his pure speed with the ball.

Either way it's going to be very interesting how this draft lottery ends up panning out, has some serious implications for us.

I am a really big fan of Kira Lewis Jr.

Two full seasons of very productive college experience and yet he’s only just turned 19 years old. He’s younger than the other guards in this class, but far more experienced.

The lack of size is going to scare some teams away, but I think it’s possible that he could become a starting PG in the NBA. That speed is a legitimate weapon.

[Rockzin4]

I'm all in on Josh Green if he's available

If we don’t move up then that’s my pick too. Looks like a good 6’6 one on one defender. Thrives in transition. Seems like an Orlando player. If he can shoot the rock a little that’s good as gold. You can’t have enough of these guys. But I understand any moaning if we did pick a guy like him.

[KillMonger]

I'm all in on Josh Green if he's available

If we don’t move up then that’s my pick too. Looks like a good 6’6 one on one defender. Thrives in transition. Seems like an Orlando player. If he can shoot the rock a little that’s good as gold. You can’t have enough of these guys. But I understand any moaning if we did pick a guy like him.

He's like d. books, would be so ironic if we pick him considering booker wanted to play for us.

[dsg2021]

Remember the Magic have access to that special camera and data tracking system that about less than 10 other teams have access to, as well.

This means they can gauge players’ foot speed, athleticism, defensive circle zone, positioning IQ, etc. etc. These are all things that will show up really high for a few certain prospects nobody was expecting. And I think Nesmith might be one of them.

This is not the draft for hopes and dreams. Don’t make a big swing if no players deserve it.